Authorities in the Canadian province of Quebec have appealed to the population to wear masks in crowded public places, with the exception of schools and day care centers, due to the probability of a «spicy cocktail» of diseases typical of the winter season.
«We don’t want to move toward an obligation. It is a civic responsibility,» remarked Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé at a press conference, alluding to the «trio» of respiratory viruses that could break out in the coming weeks and lead to hospital overcrowding.
In this regard, the national director of Public Health, Luc Boileau, detailed that this «spicy cocktail» is the result of the beginning of the flu season, the arrival of other respiratory viruses and a predictable progression of COVID-19 infections, according to Radio Canada.
«Our health network is fragile at the moment, particularly with the trio of viruses whose effect is beginning to add up in our hospitals,» acknowledged Dubé, who reported the creation of a special team in the whole to ensure the follow-up of each patient.